David Rizzio

David Rizzio (1533-9 March 1566) was the private secretary of Mary, Queen of Scots. He was murdered by her jealous husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley and several other conspirators, leading to Darnley's downfall.

Biography
David Rizzio was born in 1533 near Turin, Savoy to an ancient noble family. Rizzio initially sought to work as a courtier in Savoy, but he later headed to England for more opportunities. Rizzio rose to become the private secretary of Mary, Queen of Scots and was considered a good musician and excellent singer; he also served as ambassador of Scotland to France. There were allegations of adultery between the young Queen and Rizzio, leading to Mary's husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley conspiring to kill him. On 9 March 1566, Lord Darnley and his friends stabbed him 56 times and threw him down a staircase after accusing him of impregnating Mary.